Monroe Township welcomes springtime with craft shows, festivals, 5Ks, and more.
By Krista Cerminaro
The tulips are in bloom, and so is the township. Flourishing with upcoming spring events, Williamstown has activities for all ages to enjoy around this time of year. Whether you’re looking to get active and participate in a 5K, or indulge in some new treats at a food festival, there are ample events coming up in the next few months to add to your springtime agenda.
Project Graduation Spring Craft Show
Spring cleaning means out with the old, and in with the new. Shop for goodies at the Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 24, at Williamstown High School. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., vendors will be selling candles, jewelry, arts and crafts and more. Shoppers can also enjoy food in the cafeteria to support WHS Project Graduation. For additional information, contact April Smitheman at (856) 343–2696 or email williamstownpg@gmail.com.
Monroe Township Annual Easter egg hunt
Get started on Easter celebrations at Owens Park on March 24 for the township’s annual Easter egg hunt, starting at noon. Children ages 12 and under can collect more than 10,000 eggs. BYOB — bring your own basket — and get there early, as the hunt, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation committee, is over within just minutes. Kids will also have the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny. For more information, visit www.mtprnj.org.
Easter events at Life Church
On Saturday, March 31, Life Church on Main Street will host an Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m., featuring 10,000 eggs and a large slide for children to enjoy. The free event, as well as two Easter services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., are family-friendly and open to the community.
Williamstown Food Truck Festival
Families, friends and foodies can attend Williamstown’s third annual Food Truck Festival on Friday, April 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Estates at Monroe. The festival will feature a DJ, live music, beer garden and food trucks. Admission is just $1, and there will be additional activities for children. For more information, call (856) 740–3352.
Shades of Harmony Chorus
A free spring concert is sure to be music to your ears this spring. Shades of Harmony, a women’s a cappella chorus based in Williamstown, will perform at the Monroe Township Public Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7. The concert is open to the public. For more information, visit www.shadesofharmony.com.
Tournament of Bands
Support the Williamstown High School band at the Tournament of Bands competition on April 8 at noon. Enjoy refreshments along with a variety of ensembles, including colorguard and twirling, percussion and dance in a family-friendly competition at the WHS Theater. Tickets cost $12 for adults, and $6 for students and seniors.
Williamstown Arts Festival
On April 28, head to Main Street for the third annual Arts Festival from noon to 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend the free festival, which is put together by the Main Street Committee, to support local arts and crafts vendors and businesses.
“We’re going to have arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, and we’re also going to have a shuttle going between the two new breweries. Autumn Lake Winery will be there for wine tastings,” said Main Street committee member Gina Martucci.
Additionally, there will be special demonstrations by WHS art students. Martucci also noted the festival is looking for arts and crafts vendors. For more information on the festival or becoming a vendor, contact Martucci at (856) 341–5365.
Braves Lacrosse Color Blast 5K and One-Miler
The fourth annual Braves Color Blast 5K and One-Miler will be held on Sunday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Owens Park. The community is invited to register and support the Monroe Lacrosse Club. The first 100 to register will receive a free T-shirt. Registration is $25 for the 5K, or $15 for the one-miler. Participants can also create a team for the opportunity to win a $250 Applebee’s gift card if they have the most members. There will be prizes and activities for friends and family of all ages. To register to walk or run, or to sponsor the event, visit www.leaguelineup.com/braveslax.
Music Festival and Town Appreciation Night
On Saturday, June 2, Monroe Township’s eighth annual Music Festival and Town Appreciation Night will be held at Owens Park from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
“It’s a night that we look to give back to the town, for everything that they do — especially with regard to all the volunteers we have in our town. As an example, it takes over 900 volunteers that put in over 100,000 man hours to support football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, ambulance [and] fire volunteers — everything that takes place,” said Director of Parks and Recreation and Community Affairs Jim Bonder. “We really like to make it a night where we give back to everybody.”
The event, which is sponsored by the Monroe Township Parks and Recreation Commission, will feature more than 100 vendors and food trucks, a beer and wine garden, more than 12 amusements for younger children and teens, live music by “Don’t Call Me Francis” and country singer Madeline Smith, as well as the high school and local youth bands — and lastly, a fireworks show to cap off the night.
“I believe that’s our best fireworks display of the year,” Bonder said.
Parking, as well as shuttle service from Williamstown Middle School, will be provided. The rain date for the event is Sunday, June 3. For more information, call (856) 728–1372.
